- Preparation is key
- Go out on some initial long walks and calculate your average miles per hour. Take some off if you are going to be carrying a lot. Use this to gauge the maximum distance you could cover each day also allowing you time to eat and take in the scenery.
- Once you have calculated that distance look for accommodation along the route that fits in. Sometimes you will need to go off trail so make sure you add that extra distance in.
- Work out the least amount of equipment you will need this really worked for me the only extra bit of weight being a 2/3 man tent which only had me in it for 4 nights but I had to carry that extra weight. Quick drying clothing is necessary as washing and drying on the move is very difficult and weather dependent.
- I had my route printed out and on OSmaps online as well as on my GPS. Give yourself a number of options in case one does not work, although the route is fairly well signposted.
- If you are going with friends make sure you are all packing the same way so that things can be shared out.
- It is harder than they tell you on the guides. They say it is very easy and there is little ascending compared to other national trails. However, when it does go up it does so steeply and the ground is unforgiving.
- Make sure you eat enough. I cannot stress this enough on most days you will use up a lot of calories. You must make sure that you replenish as many as possible as over the whole trail it can tire you out for sure.
- Hiking poles are good!
- A Mini Trangia works well for one possibly two people.
- Take some time to learn how to adjust your rucksack so it is comfortable. It seemed to change every da for me.
- Rest as much as you need. Do not walk till you drop.
- Doing this one will make you want to do other trails!
What did I learn from doing the South Downs Way?
Essex Man Does Walking 
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